Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of nerve damage in the feet. Because this condition affects the peripheral nerves—the nerves that carry information from your brain and spinal cord–it can lead to changes such as tingling, numbness, and the inability to feel pain. An estimated 20 million people in the United States have some form of peripheral neuropathy.
Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy in the feet. If you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy you may experience numbness, tingling, a burning sensation in your feet, the inability to feel pain, heat and cold, or you may feel like you are wearing an invisible sock. With the loss of feeling minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores can go unnoticed; if these minor injuries are left untreated, complications can arise that lead to ulceration and ultimately even amputation.
Prevention & Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for peripheral neuropathy but there are ways to manage the disease, including:
- Treating underlying conditions
- Maintaining healthy sugar levels
- Exercising to improve blood flow to the feet
- Increasing the amount of vitamin B into your diet
- Physical therapy
When to Seek Care
If you are suffering from peripheral neuropathy it’s important to see your podiatrist regularly. This can become a very serious condition if symptoms and causes are not addressed. If you have any loss of feeling in your feet, you should see a podiatrist immediately, especially if you have diabetes.
